Greyhound Myths Debunked

Greyhounds are one of the most misunderstood dog breeds in the animal welfare debate. Over the years, political campaigns and emotional appeals have painted an inaccurate picture of the breed and the racing industry. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most persistent myths and why they don’t hold up to scrutiny.

MYTH #1: Greyhounds Wear Muzzles Because They’re Aggressive

Truth: Muzzles aren’t about aggression – they’re about safety. Greyhounds are highly social animals and enjoy interacting with their kennelmates and human companions. When large groups of greyhounds are out to play together, they can get excited and nip during play, the same way children might accidentally get rough in a game. Muzzles help prevent minor injuries from escalating – especially given the greyhound’s thin skin.

MYTH #2: My Greyhound Must Have Been Abused – He’s So Shy

Truth: Not every quiet dog is a victim of abuse. Just like humans, dogs have different personalities and for greyhounds, shyness can be inherited. Racing greyhounds are bred for performance, not for temperament traits that suit family life from birth. Some bloodlines produce dogs that are more reserved, reactive, or slow to warm up to new people. That doesn’t mean they weren’t loved or treated well – it simply means they need time and patience in a new environment. With gentle guidance and consistency, even the most introverted greyhounds can blossom into loyal and affectionate companions.

MYTH #3: Greyhounds Are Forced to Run

Truth: You can’t force a greyhound to do something it doesn’t want to do. These dogs were born to run – it’s in their DNA. Greyhounds have been chasing prey and lures for thousands of years and today’s racing greyhounds still carry those instincts. In fact, some pups start chasing moving objects on their own without ever being trained. A greyhound that doesn’t want to run simply… won’t. Trainers see it all the time – dogs that walk off the track or refuse to chase. Racing only works when the dog wants to participate.

MYTH #4: Greyhounds Aren’t Socialised Properly

Truth: Greyhounds often have better canine social skills than most pet dogs. That’s because they spend their early lives in a tightly-knit group – first with their littermates and mother, and later with other dogs in the kennel or training environment. From birth, they learn how to read canine body language, signal stress and get along in a pack. What they may not be used to is the human world – things like stairs, mirrors, toys, or busy streets. That’s not a lack of socialization, it’s just unfamiliarity. With time and a bit of guidance, greyhounds quickly adapt to the sights and sounds of home life.

MYTH #5: Greyhounds Are Kept Locked Up All Day

Truth: The “23-hours-a-day-in-a-cage” claim is wildly misleading. Greyhounds live in climate-controlled kennels. These serve as their personal space to rest – much like a bedroom – the GBGB ensure that the kennel has a minimum of 2m headroom, 2.3m in depth, and 1.5m in width. Each kennel needs a bed that is a minimum of 1sq m in size and elevated 20cm off the floor and there should be a minimum of 1.25m between the bed and the front of the kennel. A racing greyhound’s day includes multiple turnout sessions (often 4–6 per day), playtime, training, grooming and vet checks. Greyhounds are professional athletes – they get regular exercise, physical care and plenty of human interaction. When they’re not actively working or playing, they’re usually sleeping – sometimes up to 16 hours a day. Read our article about a day in the life of a racing greyhound here for more information!

MYTH #6: Greyhounds Don’t Know How to Play – They Must Be Neglected

Truth: Greyhounds do play – just not always the way people expect. These dogs are chasers. Give them a ball or squeaky toy sitting still on the floor, and they may not react. But attach a toy to a rope and run with it? That’s when the fun begins. In kennels, greyhounds play with each other more than with toys. Wrestling, chasing, and mock races are their version of fun.

MYTH #7: Greyhounds Are Overbred and Discarded If They Don’t Win

Truth: Greyhound breeding is tightly regulated, and breeders typically invest a significant amount of time, money and resources into raising litters. Each pup is a long-term commitment, whether or not it turns out to be a superstar. Dogs that don’t show promise on the track are often placed into adoption programs early, with many never even racing a day. Read more about greyhound welfare here

MYTH #8: Racing Greyhounds Live in Poor Conditions

Truth: Professional greyhounds live in well-managed kennels that are designed with their health and performance in mind. Kennels are climate-controlled, cleaned daily, and organised to provide structured routines, healthy diets and plenty of exercise. Most racing greyhounds are monitored more closely than the average pet. Greyhounds are also subject to strict veterinary protocols and frequent physical checks, both by kennel staff and independent vets.